An Ospreylian serviceman on active duty in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, is showing his true colours thanks to bosses at the region.
Corporal Ben Lewis, an RAF Firefighter, is approaching the end of a tour of duty in the Helmand Province, and as part of a 13 man team on ‘Blue Watch’ is one of the most forward and operational fire fighters in the world, working in the combat zone to provide fire and rescue services in response to any aircraft incident on the airfield.
Hailing from Sketty in Swansea, Cpl. Lewis is the only Welshman serving on his team, and having spoken to Ospreys management about his tour of duty at what has been described as ‘the most dangerous fire station in the world’, he was presented with a 2011/12 Ospreys home jersey which is now flying high in Camp Bastion.
Cpl Lewis said:
“I would just like to say a big thank you for sending me out an Ospreys shirt. All the other guys were jealous but they are English, so it’s not so bad! Our Fire Station is extremely basic and acquiring anything that could? raise the morale of the guys is much appreciated.”
Ospreys Managing Director, Roger Blyth, added:
“We are proud of all the British servicemen operating right around the world, and in this case, of an Ospreylian who is doing a fantastic job in very difficult circumstances. We are delighted to be able to help make their environment and stay in Afghanistan that little bit more bearable by donating this jersey.
“We wish Cpl Lewis and his team all the best, and hope to see him at the Liberty Stadium next season on his return to the region.”
Cpl. Lewis is pictured in his Ospreys jersey alongside a USA Marines Osprey aircraft at Camp Bastion.
The Ospreys support all serving members of the UK Armed Forces, offering free tickets to all home games on production of a valid warrant card at the Liberty Stadium Ticket Office.
Any servicemen with photos of them displaying their Ospreys colours are welcome to forward them to info@ospreysrugby.com for inclusion in our match programme and/or our Facebook page.